Yvonne“Cold cases?” I shoved the stack of bulging file folders across Sheriff Clement North’s rumpled desk calendar. “If this is your idea of an early April Fools’ Day joke, it’s all irony and no humor. I can’t even handle fresh cases.”
“I admit you thrash around a bit, Dan.” North scratched a bristly eyebrow with his thumbnail. “And you take a few dead-end roads. But you get where you need to be.”
“I get to where someone has to step in and save my sorry ass.” I gave the files another shove. “And when I’m done, people don’t go to trial, they go to their graves.”
“Some might find fault with that form of justice, son. Others might say you’re due a medal for saving on prosecution costs.” North scratched the other eyebrow. “Appeals can go on for years. Never mind how cut-and-dried those two cases were.”
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To discover more about both book and author, click here
It seems as though Dan might be developing a complex, or having pangs of conscience. Either way, it doesn’t sound good for the perpetrators of this lengthy list of cold cases, who think they have got away with their crimes!
The Devil’s Tombstone, is the final part of the Catskill Mountains Mysteries, although author Carolyn J. Rose, always strives to make each story a stand alone experience for the reader.
If you want to catch up with the story to date …
Read my review of Hemlock Lake
Read my review of Through A Yellow Wood
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WHAT IS ‘BOOK BEGINNINGS’ AND HOW CAN YOU JOIN IN THE FUN ?
Would the first few lines of your book make you want to read on?
If so, would you like to share them with us, (without revealing too many spoilers of course) ?
Click here and visit your host, Gilion @ Rose City Reader
You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be discovered.
Don’t forget that Gilion and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time?
I can’t wait to do a little blog hopping myself and check out all the great Book Beginnings you have!
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This third book gets off to a good start and sounds like a great continuation of the series.
Having enjoyed the series Carolyn coauthored with her husband and based on her recent guest post here, I downloaded the first in her “No Substitute” series. So…I’m afraid the Catskill Mountain Mysteries will have to wait a little longer!
I’ve just started Wish You Well by David Baldacci.
“The air was moist, the coming rain telegraphed by plump, gray clouds, and the blue sky fading. The 1936 four-door Lincoln Zephyr sedan moved down the winding road at a decent, if inhurried, pace. The car’s interior was filled with the inviting aromas of warm sourdough bread, baked chicken, and peach and cinnamon pie from the picnic basket that sat so temptingly between the two children in the backseat.”
Hi Kelly,
I shall definitely be reading the ‘Subbing Isn’t For Sissies’ series at some point and like yourself I shall most probably go right back to the beginning with this one, as the connection between the characters sounds quite strong and developing with each new story.
However, as you know, a good suspense/thriller or murder/mystery is much more my thing, so I shall be getting up to date with those first and ‘The Devil’s Tombstone’ is going to finish of the ‘Catskill Mountains Mysteries, quite nicely!
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I used to read a lot of David Baldacci back in his early writing days, however I haven’t picked up one of his books for some time now, although I have no idea why. The same thing seems to have happened with John Grisham, so perhaps I stopped enjoying the courtroom battle scenario which trademarked both their books?
I do love those opening lines to ‘Wish You Well’ though, it sounds as though there is a picnic in the planning here! and when I cheated and peeked at the synopsis, thought that this is a story I might well be able to get into, although it did remind me a little, of the storyline for the film Dante’s Peak.
Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend 🙂
I’ve actually never read any of Baldacci’s work, though my husband has enjoyed quite a few of his books. This one is supposed to be a total departure from his normal genre, but seems to be very personal for him. It’s not a recent book, though I see there is a recent movie based on it. I only learned of it because one of our book club members chose it as our next selection to read and discuss. I’m about 10% in, but enjoying it so far.
You have me intrigued now you say that this book seems to be very personal to David Baldacci.
The book was written way back in 2000, although the film wasn’t released until 2013 and Baldacci was one of the script writers. The ratings aren’t actually too bad either, although I am not sure it would be a film I would want to watch particularly.
I am curious enough to maybe want to read ‘Wish You Well’ and I shall definitely be on the lookout for your review!
Have a great weekend.
This sounds like an excellent mystery series. Thank you for the recommendation. Although the books are stand-alone, I’ll start with the first one.
My Friday post features What I Remember Most.
Hi Sandra,
I am terrible for cutting into the middle of a series, however some authors write so prolifically, that to go right back to the beginning of a series, would mean that I would miss out on so many other great books and authors.
Fortunately this series has remained as a trilogy, making it much easier to keep up with and read in sequence.
If you enjoy a good murder / mystery, which isn’t too complicated, yet will still keep you guessing to the very last page, then the ‘Catskill Mountain Mysteries’ are for you!
Thanks for stopping by, it has been great to catch up with you 🙂
Thanks for featuring The Devil’s Tombstone. Although I feel like it’s the last of the Catskill Mountains Mysteries, and although I refer to the series as a trilogy, there’s a little voice at the back of my brain saying, “Not so fast.” But right now I’m having a great time with the Subbing isn’t for Sissies series and have plot cards for at least two more books, so . . .
Hi Carolyn,
I guess ‘never say never’ springs to mind, having read your comment 😉
I must admit that my preferred murder / mystery style, is a little on the gritty and gutsy side, which makes the ‘Catskill Mountain Mysteries’ right up my street. I think I am in total agreement with North’s assessment of Dan’s style of judgement!
However I shall be returning to the start of the ‘Subbing isn’t for Sissies’ series, to catch up with Barbara Reed on her very first case!
Thanks for stopping by to comment, you know how much I appreciate it 🙂
I’m scared. Even the title scares me.
The Devil’s Tombstone does sound quite spooky, doesn’t it? Although it is actually a very popular primitive campsite, in the Catskill Mountains region of New York State.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24462.html
Personally I am not much of a one for camping of any description, or even travelling around in a trailer home …. Give me the comfort of a hotel room any day!
Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your weekend 🙂